Rita Case named Broward County Police Benevolent Association’s Humanitarian of the Year

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In a ceremony marked by gratitude, recognition, and a strong focus on community service, Rita Case, president, CEO, and owner of Rick Case Automotive Group, has been named the 2026 Humanitarian of the Year by the Broward County Police Benevolent Association (BCPBA). The award places her among a select group of community leaders, but also makes history: she is the first woman ever to receive the honor.

The recognition reflects decades of philanthropic work across South Florida, where Case has built a reputation not only as a business leader but also as a consistent supporter of education, healthcare, and public safety initiatives. Her influence extends well beyond the automotive industry, reaching deeply into nonprofit organizations, scholarship programs, and first responder support systems.

During the award ceremony, Case also made a notable announcement that further underscored her long-standing commitment to community support. She revealed a $28,000 donation to The HOPE Fund, a program created in 1998 to assist members of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association and their families during times of crisis. The fund also supports the Sergeant Christopher Reyka Scholarship Award, which is given annually to the child of a PBA member. Case added that she will personally fund a $1,000 scholarship moving forward, strengthening the program’s long-term reach.

Speaking at the event, Case expressed deep appreciation for law enforcement officers and their daily service to the community.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for our law enforcement officers. They keep our roads and community safe. I tip my hat in gratitude and admiration for their bravery,” said Case. “It is such an honor to be named Humanitarian of the Year by the esteemed Broward County Police Benevolent Association. These men and women in uniform show up when we need them, patrol our neighborhoods, protect our businesses, attend community events and provide assistance to members and their families when they need it most. They truly exemplify what it means to be a humanitarian.”

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The BCPBA Humanitarian of the Year Award is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional compassion, leadership, and service to others. According to the association, recipients are selected based on their long-term impact on the community and their ability to strengthen relationships between public safety professionals and the residents they serve.

BCPBA President Rod Skirvin praised Case for her decades of dedication and the wide reach of her philanthropic efforts.

“Rita Case represents the very best of what it means to serve a community. Her compassion, generosity and unwavering commitment to helping others has touched countless lives throughout South Florida,” said Rod Skirvin, president of the BCPBA. “Whether supporting charitable causes, standing beside first responders or giving back to those in need, Rita has consistently led with heart and purpose. On behalf of the BCPBA, it is my honor to present Rita Case with our Humanitarian of the Year Award in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to making a difference.”

Case was selected not only for financial contributions but also for her broader influence in shaping programs that provide lasting support to individuals and families in need. Her work includes building partnerships, launching initiatives, and mentoring community efforts that continue to benefit residents across generations.

She has long been recognized for combining business leadership with civic responsibility. Through Rick Case Automotive Group, philanthropy is embedded in company culture, guiding its outreach efforts and partnerships throughout South Florida. Case is frequently listed among South Florida Business Journal’s Power Leaders in Corporate Philanthropy, a reflection of her sustained impact on regional charitable initiatives.

Over the years, Rita and her late husband Rick Case helped develop fundraising programs that collectively raised more than $125 million for organizations across the region. Their efforts have supported a wide range of causes, from education and healthcare to housing, youth development, and public safety.

Today, that legacy continues through ongoing partnerships with numerous nonprofit organizations, including Alonzo Mourning’s Overtown Youth Center, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Baptist Health, Boys & Girls Clubs, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Broward Health, Cleveland Clinic, Community Foundation of Broward, Feeding South Florida, Habitat for Humanity, Holy Cross Health, Huizenga Park, Humane Society, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Junior Achievement of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, Panthers on the Prowl, Rick Case Bikes for Kids, Rick Case Cares, Soles4Souls’ 4EveryKid, United Way, Women In Distress, and many scholarship programs supporting students in need.

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Her contributions have not gone unnoticed nationally. Case was previously named the 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year presented by Cox Automotive and has received several other honors, including the 2022 Horatio Alger Award, TIME Dealer of the Year Award, National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers’ Lifetime Achievement Award, AutoSuccess Women at the Wheel Award, and Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s Emerald Lifetime Achievement Award.

Previous recipients of the BCPBA Humanitarian Award include Ron Book and Ron Bergeron, both recognized for their significant civic contributions. With the addition of Rita Case to this group, the association highlights a continued tradition of honoring individuals whose work strengthens the bond between communities and public service professionals.

For Case, the recognition reflects not only past accomplishments but also an ongoing commitment to service, education, and support for those in need — a commitment that, according to those who know her work best, continues to shape lives across South Florida every day.